Grahamstown Festival 2016

GRAHAMSTOWN FESTIVAL

South Africa's biggest arts and culture festival, offering music, dance, opera, and performance art. Check out the official site for other performances and how to book.

 https://www.nationalartsfestival.co.za/

The Firebird

Performers: Jacqueline Manyaapelo, Beren Belknap, Nkosinathi Mngomezulu, Craig Leo, Mongi Mthombeni, Dunty La Trobe, Elvis Sibeko, Oleksii Ishchenko,  Mxolisi Nkomonde, Andile Vellem, Zandile Constable, Nkanyiso Kunene, Shaun Oelf, Thulisile Binda
Janni Younge’s production of The Firebird is a re-imagining of the original ballet, set to the original Stravinsky score. With South African, contemporary choreographic style and giant puppets, Janni Younge’s The Firebird will be a visually extraordinary production.
Stravinsky’s The Firebird is marked for its elaborate orchestration, provocative uneven rhythmic writing and pungent harmonies, and is an exciting and dynamic musical work.
Set to this music, the performance of The Firebird is designed and directed by Janni Younge (previously of Handspring Puppet Company) and choreographed by Jay Pather, one of South Africa’s leading contemporary choreographers.
Working with the thematic and narrative structure of the original ballet, Younge’s The Firebird will be centred on a journey towards finding free and powerful expression. The attraction of inspiration, ideal and accumulation creates an illusion of freedom. However unacknowledged pain and suppressed fear destabilise fragile dreams and it is only with critical insight that balance between the forces can manifest and true vision and freedom be found.
The Firebird will use the evocative medium of puppetry and draw on contemporary and traditional South African dance forms. Set in the context of an emerging national and personal identity, Janni Younge’s The Firebird is a journey towards courage and ultimately, freedom.

Simphiwe Dana

Traditional African with contemporary soul
Simphiwe Dana is one of South Africa’s most soulful singers as well as being a leading socio-political musical activist, asserting a powerful African identity through her art form. She burst onto the South African scene in 2004 with her debut album, earning her a South African Music Award for “Best Jazz Vocal Album” and “Best Newcomer” and two years later she was named the “Best Female Artist”, with the song “The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street”, at the SAMAs. Dana blends traditional African music with contemporary soul and shows hints of gospel and blues. She is also increasingly a singing sensation in the World Music scene in Europe.

The Muffinz

“Changing the world one ear at a time”
The Muffinz have unleashed their mysteriously beautiful world of eclectic soul to the South African public and they are now set for world domination.
The music of The Muffinz is so new, yet so soulful, so accessible, so honest and so innocent, that it appeals to all age groups, races, classes and genders.
The five young musicians make a refreshing change from the usual run of the mill rappers and house DJs in that they play real instruments, and they play them well. Plus all five musicians are great singers in their different genres of expertise.
Electric guitarist and vocalist, Atomza’s voice is best described as a young Michael Jackson meets Usher with a twist of rock. Drummer Keke then enters with his Senegalese meets rumba vocals. The band switch from a groovy R&B rhythm led by acoustic guitarist Mthae and bassist Skabz, to a classy jazz guitar sound introduced by electric guitarist and a capella singer, Simz. And that is just on one song!
The group began in 2010 when Mthae, Simz and Atomza met while singing in the UJ (University Of Johannesburg) Choir. In August 2011, the independent label, Just Music, were invited to see the band perform an impromptu private performance in a tiny rehearsal room at the University of Johannesburg. They were so blown away with The Muffinz that they immediately offered them a recording deal. In 2012 the band made their Festival debut, winning a Silver Standard Bank Ovation Award on the Fringe and, in 2013, they returned to the Arena, growing a new fan base along the way.
2016 is going to be a big year for The Muffinz – not only are they embarking on a tour of the USA, but they have been nominated for a South African Music Award (“Best R&B/Soul/Reggae Album”) and they are making their debut on the Festival’s Main stage….catch them while you still can, these guys are going global!

THE BAND
Simphiwe ‘Simz’ Kulla – lead electric guitar/vocalist
Mthabisi ‘Mthae’ Sibanda – acoustic guitar and vocals
Gregory ‘Keke’ Mabusela – drumz and vocals
Karabo ‘Skabz’ Moeketsi – bass and vocals
Sifiso ‘Atomza’ Buthelezi – lead electric and vocals

https://www.nationalartsfestival.co.za/

 MyPond Hotel is situated a short drive from Grahamstown in Port Alfred. Voted the best 4 star hotel in the Eastern Cape by TripAdvisor 2016. Book online via our website http://www.mypondhotel.com/

June Specials for FATHER'S DAY

 

 

Spoil Daddy this Father’s Day

4 star accommodation for 2 including breakfast, gift basket, bottle of wine and a round of golf at Royal Port Alfred Golf Course

R 1290 per night for 2

This special is available throughout the month of June.

Please note that all specials are subject to availability.

To book please call us on (046) 624 4626 or email us at ask@mypondhotel.com using, “FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL” in the subject line

THE BEACHES OF PORT ALFRED

“What’s there to do in Port Alfred in the cooler months?” you may ask.

Well, with Autumn here and Winter approaching, one would certainly assume that it’s indoor weather. Not so in the Sunshine Coast area! Most days are warm outside while evenings are cooler, making beach outings and game drives perfect activities to keep you occupied during your vacation.

West Beach is superlative for the family, with a restaurant and cafe in close proximity, you needn’t venture into town for treats. The pier is located here, ideal for romantic walks and dreamy talks. 

Kelley’s Beach is a minute or two away and is quiet safe for swimming and has been given Blue Flag status. In season, there is a lifeguard on duty. 

East Beach is the surfers spot with perfect waves forming due to the reef below. Winter has always been the best time for surfing with the local surfers always happy to welcome new faces and teach the kids a few gnarley tricks.

Kiddies Beach is a safe little alcove off of the Kowie River (around the corner from the main robots or otherwise known as the only robots in our tiny town). There is plenty of shade given by the multitude of trees and shrubbery but don’t forget that sunscreen is still needed. The water here is safe from sharks as there is a net attached to the bridge. 

So if you’re in the mood for feeling the sand between your toes, the Sun on your face and pure happy days, visit Port Alfred for the weekend. See you soon!

HIGH TEA

You are cordially invited to HIGH TEA  at MyPond Hotel

Date: Sunday 29 May 2016

 

Details: MyPond Hotel ‘s Lily restaurant will transport you back to the times of opulence and decadence while you absorb the stunning views of the Kowie river.  Enjoy nibbling on bite size canapés while sipping on a cup of our finest tea for only R90 pp.

 

Time: High tea will run from 12:30 till 15:00

 

RSVP: Bookings can be made by calling 046 624 4624 or emailing ask@mypondhotel.com

May Specials at MyPond Hotel

May is the month that we show our appreciation for our dear Mothers. We owe them so much yet we know that no amount of words or actions could ever make up for the great blessing that they are in our lives. That said, we should always try to show our gratitude because seeing them smile, makes the World a better place.

Here at MyPond Hotel, we decided to create the perfect package to spoil your Mom or the Mother of your children (wink wink husbands), it includes a gift basket, breakfast, flowers, dinner, a night in our 4 star hotel (did you know that we are right beside a beautiful river?) and a bottle of bubbly! All of this for only R1490, and yes, that’s for 2 people. 

You can book by emailing ask@mypondhotel.com or by calling 046 624 4626, please quote Mother’s Day Special. 

This offer is valid for every weekend in May.

Royal Port Alfed Golf Club Promotion

 April Golf Special at MyPond Hotel

In 1923 a visitor described the course as “A monument to the origins of golf played on a South African links next to a southern sea” Not much has changed since then.
The undulating course snakes its way through thickets of pristine coastal forest and over hilly dunes always with the smell and sounds of the Indian Ocean close by whose blue waters offer the most panoramic views from many of the fairways. In true links tradition every slope, mound and dip remains untouched, demanding creative shot making and deft reading of angles.

The course is fairly short at 5739 (ladies 5025) meters and on windless days can be vulnerable. However days such as these are rare and you are more likely than not to encounter the dominant westerly or less common easterly blowing up and down the coast. On one day you will be able to hit a little wedge to the short 11th, Punch Bowl but the next you will need a one wood.

A favourite with members and visitors alike is the par 4 12th, “Greenmantle” where the views of the ocean from the back markers are superb. So taken with the view in 1925 the Prince of Wales attempted to drive a ball directly from here into the sea. The ball was recovered and is on display at the Club House.
Adding to the allure and charm of the course is its resident wild life. Normally shy Bushbuck will continue grazing contently as you walk by while Springbok and Impala pronk with delight. The Blesbok, fallow deer Duiker and Giant Tortoise peer at the golfers with suspicion and there is bird life in abundance. 

For more details on our current specials, visit our website MYPOND HOTEL